From track to catwalk: Interview with Luca Andrea

Even though there are some jobs where planning in advance isn’t always possible, the preparation involved is often more than one might expect. The most preparation is definitely required for underwear shoots. There are long-term aspects to keep an eye on, such as maintaining physical fitness, following a good skincare routine, and avoiding tan lines. The day before an important job, I typically apply a face and hair mask. And I attempt to get a good night’s sleep or two beforehand, which can sometimes be challenging since I’m also a student dealing with exams and deadlines.

At times, clients may have specific requests such as a certain hairstyle or look, which also need to be prepared for in advance. I don’t have any particular rituals, but I usually make an effort to wake up early enough to plan everything out.

Throughout your career, you’ve collaborated with numerous brands and designers. Can you recall a particular job that stands out, and why?

That’s a tough one, as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed so many of them. Just last week, I participated in my first worldwide campaign for ON Running, shot in the Swiss Alps. We had a young, super talented crew – and despite the large setup and the associated pressure to deliver, it was an immensely enjoyable experience. I instantly connected with the team, and time seemed to fly despite it being a long shooting day.

In general, I find runway work the most exhilarating. However, the best energy is often found during test shoots involving highly creative individuals. Everyone on set is there purely out of love for what they do, which leads to results that everyone can take pride in.

Working in the fashion industry exposes you to the latest trends and styles. How has this exposure influenced your personal style?

Yes! That’s definitely true. It has broadened my understanding of diverse styles and looks, and the contexts where they can be worn. I have a deep interest in the narratives behind clothes and how people interpret specific looks. What I’ve learned is how to experiment with various styles, thereby altering my appearance to match the impact I wish to make on my surroundings. This understanding has greatly benefited me during castings, as it has enabled me to dress in a way that enhances my chances of being perceived as fitting for the job.

Editorial Fotograf: @ Tom Grand

Travel is often a big part of an international model’s life. How do you handle your model work with your student and private life?

That’s true and additionaly (and actually more challenging) to that comes the spontaneity expected of a model. This is definitely something I’m still striving to improve. In my view, it’s about organizing the elements you can control as effectively as possible. For instance, I can’t control when I get a job offer, but I can structure my studies in a way that allows me to work ahead when job offers aren’t plentiful, making me more flexible during busy periods, and so forth. It certainly helps to be a spontaneous person who enjoys last-minute changes of plans.

There have been instances when my Milan booker called to ask me to attend a direct casting the following day – right in the middle of my semester, no less. Situations like these can be challenging, and it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of such actions.

As an international model, how do you manage to maintain connections with your Swiss roots and culture, and does this influence your work in any way?

I often work in Milan, so it’s not to far away and usually I meet other Swiss models while on on stay! I am very grateful to have Switzerland as my home market tho. Many people say the fashion scene in Switzerland isn’t very good and I would actually disagree. I think it’s a big chance to work in Switzerland during my semesters. Jobs usually pay better, things are often a bit more organized and businessoriented than in the high fashion markets. Of course, the market here is more commercial, which can sometimes pose a challenge for models with more unconventional looks. However, I have some great clients here who make the financial aspects of international stays more manageable. Switzerland also has a vibrant, youthful fashion scene, and through my studies at art school, I’ve been privileged to establish strong connections within this community.

What advice would you give to young Swiss men who aspire to become international models like yourself?

I’m still very much in the process of shaping my own career, so I’m continually learning about the industry and how to position myself within it.

But if I were to give some advice, it would be:

First and foremost, have genuine faith in yourself, but also keep your expectations realistic, especially when it comes to measurements. In the international market, having the right measurements is still crucial. If you don’t fit within these standards, it’s not impossible to make it, but it’s an additional challenge. Ask yourself if you’re willing to grapple with that because, in my experience, it’s challenging enough even with the perfect measurements. If you choose to tread this path, believe in yourself unapologetically. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else in the industry will, so either commit with full conviction of your worth or don’t venture into it at all. (Easier said than done, of course.)

And remember that people’s external perceptions of modeling often don’t reflect reality. Indeed, being a model may come with a certain status, and those outside the industry are often impressed by your job. However, on sets, in agencies, and at castings, you often find yourself lower in the hierarchy. This means you frequently have to suppress your opinions or desires.

Lookbook on Running

Maintaining good health is essential for a model. Can you share some of your fitness and diet routine? How do you balance the demands of your job with the need for self-care?

Fortunately for me, the required measurements come naturally. This is due to my smaller frame which suits the slim sample sizes at shows. Honestly, I wouldn’t pursue modeling if this weren’t the case. I would never risk my health to maintain an unnatural shape. I strongly advise against doing so. Health is precious; it can’t be restored once compromised. I don’t follow a modeling-specific fitness routine. I train as a middle-distance athlete daily. Training is a core part of my routine. My sessions include basic endurance, interval running, and bodyweight exercises. I also do 1-2 weight training sessions weekly to train the large muscle groups. For Fashion Weeks, I aim to reduce my body fat a bit more. This usually occurs naturally during track and field seasons. Overall, my goal is an athletic, symmetrical, balanced body. Most importantly, I aim for a body I feel comfortable in.

How has your life transformed since embarking on your modeling career?

For me it slowly transformed over the years since jobrequests increased continuously. Mostly its harder to plan things (especially private stuff) in advance, because jobs can come in shorttermed. I travel more (but definitely less for holidays ;)) and since I have an agency in Milan a lot of planning goes into beeing on stay at the right market at the right time. What I value the highest, also for my future plans to work in the creative industry is definitely to get insights into the infrastructure of huge productions, getting in touch with inspiring people in that field and learning from the way they work.
Also I made many friends in Milan and other cities, often Italians but also many people from all over the world, It means a lot to me to have the exchange with them and their cultures.

(Oh, and of course, finding pictures for my grandparents’ annual family photo calendar, which we create every Christmas, has become a lot easier!)

Instagram of Luca here…